Back to School

Yesterday was a milestone for LM. 

My miracle baby.

The one who struggled for life 5 years ago.

That was fed by a feeding tube for almost 2 years.

That sweet little inquisitive boy started Kindergarten!

Because of his Autism, I thought for sure his first day would be a struggle for him. 

He surprised me by being brave and sitting in his seat. 

His teachers say he didn't talk much (little do they know) but he was happy. 

He talked to me after school all bout what he had for lunch, that he colored not one picture but two!!!

And how he got to play on the playground. 

I love that he 's so excited about school this year. 

Last year was a struggle.

He's been in the public school system since the age of three but last year was a doozie.

It's looking like this is the year he will shine. 

Concepts grasped, coping with others will be easier, and wanting to be at school a priority. 

At least that's what I'm praying for.

How was your child's first day at school?

The Great Avocado

I detested avocados until I was about 15. Why I didn't like them is beyond me since I had never tasted them. I guess it was the fact that they were green and slimy on the inside. It wasn't until my grandmother encouraged me to try some while visiting her one holiday season in California. I was hooked. Now I eat them in my sandwiches, salads, with chips, and even pasta!  I even snuck avocados in LM's meals to help him gain weigh when he was younger and not gaining weight like we would like. He says he doesn't like them. Little does he know! But my favorite dish is a summer favorite. Tomato, Basil Salad with a vinaigrette dressing.  And those tomatoes have to be homegrown Not the store bought ones. 

Vinaigrette dressing

• 3 Tbs olive oil 
• 4 tsp wine vinegar or cider vinegar (4 teaspoons) or lemon juice 
• 1/4 tsp sugar 
• 1/4 tsp whole grain Dijon mustard or French mustard 
• 
  
  • salt
• pepper

Salad

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 cucumber (thinly sliced)
• 4 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 6oz. mozzarella cheese (thinly sliced)
• 4-5 large leaves of fresh basil (chopped) 
• parsley (to garnish)

Not only do Avocados taste great they do contain healthy fats! According to the USDA-ARS, phytonutrients such as those found in Avocados may be beneficial to your health in a number of ways. 

                                                      • Serve as antioxidants
                                                      • Enhance your immune response
                                                      • Help metabolize vitamin A

The Avocado League has a contest going on called the "Big Hit". Please visit the site and vote for your favorite recipe!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Open for Business!!

This has been in the works for several years. But with three kids it's hard to actually get things done. So I bit the bullet and did it. Marie & Rose offers craft supplies and handmade party favor boxes/bags, and gift tags.

At the moment I carry Marie - Madeline Studio sewing patterns. Not only are they easy to understand and the pictures  clear and full of detail, the end result is a beautiful item that classy, stylish and will be treasured for a long time!

Tessa Bloomers & Bag Pattern

Pleated Cottage Apron

In addition to these gorgeous patterns, I have in my shop Mini Tins (1/2 oz). These little cuties are perfect to package handmade glass tile pendants,  storing buttons, or use them for your next party and fill them with small mints or other candies. They are blank and perfect for decorating!

Mini Tins

I just received a shipment of ribbons and trim and a 2oz. size of the tins today. Those will be added this afternoon. In the next few weeks I will be adding more items so keep visiting Marie & Rose for your crafting and party supplies!

Beat the Heat with Gatorade

As a young girl the heat didn't bother me. But then again I didn't play sports. At least the outdoor ones anyways. But now I'm grown up . .

sort of

and I have a teenage daughter has a sensitivity to heat. She tends to get sick, shaky, and on occasion pass out. I always thought we were doing well to make sure she had water with her all the time. But somehow she always ended up sick.

Moms play a key role in keeping their athletes safe, and we need to understand that young athletes may be at greater risk for heat-related illness and know the ways to prevent it.

Water isn’t enough. While fundamental, water alone does not hydrate and refuel as effectively as Gatorade.Gatorade supplies the proper amount of fluid, electrolytes and carbohydrates to rapidly put back what your young athlete loses in sweat and provides energy to keep them going.

In drinking water, the brain may turn off the perception of thirst before the body’s overall fluid needs are met and stops the athlete from fully rehydrating.  The electrolytes in Gatorade help maintain the stimulus to drink so athletes drink enough to replenish and refuel .

Equipment makes a difference - wear light net-type jerseys, T-shirts and shorts, change sweat-soaked clothing, avoid wearing excess clothing, remove helmets when not playing and remember to stay hydrated.

You can help- download a free Gatorade Heat Safety Kit found at www.nfl.com/trainingcamp. For every unique download Gatorade will donate $1 to “Beat the Heat” charities up to $20,000.

Since I started giving my daughter Gatorade instead of water she has had no ill  effects from the heat and  hiking, horseback riding, volleyball, and riding bikes continues to be her favorite activities. 

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Gatorade’s “Beat the Heat” campaign and received Gatorade samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Mod Podge Rocks!!!

I have become addicted to all things Mod Podge.  

Seriously

I have so many projects in my head using my favorite stuff. It could quiet possibly take the rest of the year to finish them all.

There are so many possibilities when it comes to Mod Podge.

Not to mention peeling the glue off your hands when your done.

Come on!!!

You know you like it too.

So, this is what I have been working on.

This Framed Magnetic Board is perfect for a small space. And the Magnets are just Kanzashi Flowers. Cute huh?

What are you making this week?

Venetian Masks

Back in high school when I saw Romeo and Juliet was the first time I'd ever seen Venetian Masks. They were mesmerizing. Absolutely gorgeous. Each one is so uniquely made and one of a kind.

1001 Venetian Masks have exquisite masks of all types from Columbina, Galletto, to Jolly and Zanni- Nazo. Most of us don't know what any of that means other than they are truly one of a kind. Can you imagine the details that go into each one? The artists are so talented and painstakingly created each mask.

I love the vibrant colors, and the rich details. They used to be used to hide the identity of the wearer but now are used to accentuate the room where it is displayed. And it doesn't matter what style of room it is. You can always find one that is perfect.

1001 Venetian Masks personally select all theyʼre Masquerade Masks themselves and each one is made by Master Artisans and is 100% authentic – no imitations. They have also perfected packaging that ensures that the mask arrives safely.

I have always admired Venetian Masks and always will. They are so beautiful and eye catching. I have seen other companies that sell them but honestly they are not as elegant as these for the price. Check them out!

The Road Taken

 For the last month, this is what we have been dealing with. We  are privileged to live on a corner where the DOT has decided to widen the road. 

On both sides of the corner. 

BOTH SIDES!!!

Our trash has not been picked up in weeks. 

The Smell.

Gross is all I have to say. 

Recycling ignored.

The only service we have gotten is mail. 

Everyday at 6:30am they come to work. 

Except Sundays

Am I surprised to find out that Inmates are working in my front yard, in my driveway and in my backyard? 

YES!

Am I a tad paranoid?

YES!

Somehow they have managed to cut every utility line except our electricity. 

It's coming soon. 

I can feel it. 

The road is closed here and has been for the last month. Only about six houses on this street are confined. 

Makes for a great place to play in the street without worrying about the cars coming. 

But it's a mess.

Red clay, Piles of gravel, 6ft. holes in the ground, bulldozer's everywhere. 

Workmen. 

EVERYWHERE!

They are supposed to be done before school starts. 

DOUBT IT!!!!

I'm such a proud mom.

Tiger and Daddy visited the bulldozers.

Tiger is in his winter shirt , skivvies, and one red Croc and one blueCroc

It was 102 outside. 

Will I ever figure that kid out?

Probably Not.